I glance at the three-part mirror that shows off every angle of me and try like hell to smile. They’re all right. The dress is beautiful. It’s classy, not too girly. Ivory instead of white like I wanted. It’s a floor-length, sleeveless, A-line design, which will keep me cool during our summer wedding.
It’s the perfect wedding dress, and I should be happy that after only trying on a couple I found the perfect one. But it’s hard to be here, in the moment, and be happy, when I can’t get Jason out of my head. The way he evilly smirked at me when our eyes met at Huntington Beach, I could feel it in my bones. He was the man who attacked me on the beach that night, and by the smarmy look on his face, he didn’t give a shit that I knew. He knew he got away with it, and the thought equally has me fuming and makes me sick to my stomach.
“Lexi,” my mom prompts. “What do you think?” Her sympathetic eyes meet mine in the mirror and I hate that I’m ruining this. Today should be a happy day. I should be laughing and smiling and so excited. We’ve had this day booked for weeks, and when she offered to cancel, I insisted we go. There are only so many weeks left until our wedding and so much still to do.
“It’s perfect,” I tell her. “And it doesn’t even have to be altered.”
She comes up behind me and smiles warmly. “You’re going to make a beautiful bride.”
“Thank you, Mom.” I turn around and wrap my arms around her, needing to feel her warm motherly touch. “I love you so much.”
“Oh, sweetheart, I love you too.”
Since we’re keeping the wedding small, we’re not doing bridesmaids or groomsmen. Alec has asked Chase to be his best man and Georgia is my maid of honor. They’ll be the only people up at the altar with us and will sign as our witnesses. So, after I confirm with the saleswoman I would like this dress, she helps me out of it and bags it up, and then we’re on our way.
“Lunch?” Mila suggests.
“Sure,” we all agree.
We stop at a deli we all enjoy and order soups and sandwiches to eat out on the patio. While we eat, Mom and Mila go over the details for the wedding, and Georgia and I look at the latest pictures Micaela took of her son RJ. He’s so adorable and seems to be a little terror. He definitely gets that from Micaela and not his daddy.
I’m taking a bite of my sandwich when my phone dings with an incoming text.
Alec: Have a bag packed when I get home. We’re going away for a few days.
My heart and stomach both flutter at the thought of some time away with Alec. The last couple weeks, even though we’ve slept in the same bed whenever Alec isn’t working, has felt like we’re floating in the water, and each of us is being pulled in separate directions. Alec has been trying so hard to get to me, but I’ve been so lost in myself, I haven’t even attempted to meet him halfway. Maybe this is what we need. Some time away from here to find our way back to each other.
Me: I’ll be ready!
“Everything okay?” Georgia asks carefully, turning her attention to me. She’s been practically walking on eggshells when she talks to me lately, scared the wrong thing will send me over the edge. Me going away will also give her a little break.
“Yeah, Alec and I are going to go away for a few days.”
Georgia’s brows dip together. “For how long? My graduation is next Friday.”
“You think I would miss your graduation?” I scoff. “Only a few days.”
Georgia releases a sigh of relief, then frowns. “Oh, great. You’re leaving me alone with Chase.” She scrunches her nose up in disgust.
“What’s wrong with Chase?” I know they’ve gotten into it a few times in the past, but I didn’t realize things between them were bad enough she doesn’t want to be alone with him.
“Nothing,” she says quickly, shaking her head.
“Don’t do that.” I lock eyes with her. “I know I’ve been…a little lost lately. But don’t walk on eggshells around me, please. I already feel like things between Alec and me are rocky. I can’t handle you and me not being us.”
Georgia sighs. “I’m sorry. I just don’t want to upset you.”
“I’m not going to break,” I promise her. If I haven’t broken yet, I think I’m in the clear…
“Okay, well, you’re right about being a little lost,” she says. “Because if you were paying attention then you would’ve noticed Chase and his overactive dick.” She rolls her eyes, and I crack up.
“His overactive dick?” She’s mentioned he’s hooked up with a few women since his divorce was finalized, but it’s to be expected. He’s young and was married for years, and his ex-wife hurt him.